A white car that could hold the key to solving a homicide investigation did a circuit of Hawke’s Bay before being left at a rural worksite with the body of a much-loved Rotorua grandmother.

Police are calling for sighting of the vehicle as they search for Sharlene Smith’s killer.

On Tuesday, February 3, police were called to the worksite on Taihape Rd, Omahu, after the body of Smith, 65, was found.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne said the vehicle was left at the worksite and officers had carried out extensive work to locate and review CCTV footage of its path to there.

Police have identified a likely route taken by the vehicle, a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback.

They are appealing for sightings of it between 8am and “approximately midday” on Sunday, February 1.

The car travelled from the Awatoto area, through Taihape Rd/Omahu Rd and the Fernhill area, and into Marewa, Napier.

“We are asking anyone who saw this vehicle, or who has home, business, or dashcam CCTV footage from those areas during that time, to please contact police if not already spoken to,” Payne said.

The white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback police are searching for in connection to the death of Sharlene Smith in Hawke's Bay.

Detective Inspector James Keene said after the body was discovered that Smith was a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister, and police were determined to find answers for her whānau.

The route police say the vehicle of interest in the murder of Sharlene Smith took the day her body was dumped in Omahu.

Police are also seeking a handbag and a Samsung Galaxy A06 mobile phone that both belonged to Smith, that are believed to have been discarded along the same route.

Police urge anyone with information to get in touch through 105, either online or by calling 105, and referencing file number 260203/9739.

Information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The handbag police are looking for in relation to the death of Sharlene Smith.